PROJECT

While in residency at wpZimmer, Tiran Willemse works on ‘Trompoppies’.

“Trompoppies” is an Afrikaans word for “Drum Majorettes” who perform a formation dance in uniform. During his residency at wpZimmer, Tiran Willemse will look at one of the main choreographic elements of these dances – the precise hand gestures. Through morphing the Trompoppies’ movements with melodramatic gestures of white divas and heavy gesticulation, linked to the image of black male rap-stars, the choreographer explores the performative dimension of race and gender. The practice invites a new kind of sensitivity into cultural representations of black masculinity, opening them up to queer readings.